Missouri COVID-19 cases increase by nearly 400, with much of it coming from this area, seven deaths reported

Nearly 400 COVID-19 cases were added to Missouri's total in the last 24 hours and a large percentage of them were from this area.

Statistics released by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services show that the four counties with the highest percentage of increase in coronavirus cases over the past week are Barton County, McDonald County, Jasper County and Newton County.

The state has recorded 17,590 cases, an increase of 389 in 24 hours.

The death toll increased by seven to 955.

The state's statistics as of 2 p.m. today show Jasper County at 197, Newton County at 177, McDonald County at 170 , the City of Joplin at 42 and Barton County at 15. Some of those totals have increased already.

St. Louis County has had 546 deaths, including three in the 24-hour reporting period, to lead the state, followed by the city of St. Louis with 148, St. Charles County 69, Kansas City 30, Jackson County 22, Jefferson County 19, Franklin County 18 and Scott County 10.